Blue Rocks & Bank of America To Donate $4 For Every All-Star Hitting Challenge Ticket

Money Will Help Support The More Than 25,000 Delaware Children Who Benefit From Boys & Girls Club

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Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks and Bank of America are proud to announce that the organizations will be donating $4 to the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware for every ticket sold to the 2014 California League/Carolina League Hitting Challenge at Frawley Stadium. Tickets for the Hitting Challenge, which is slated for 6:30 p.m. on June 16 and kicks off two days of All Star Festivities in the First State, go on sale Saturday, March 1 at the Blue Rocks Ticket Office.

“We have received a great deal of positive publicity regarding the special nature of this Hitting Challenge and Home Run Derby so we are expecting that buzz to lead to a huge crowd,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “Thanks to our partnership with Bank of America we can make this event about more than just providing Delaware sports fans with a night to remember, but about raising money for an outstanding cause.”

The Blue Rocks are already set to become the first Minor League baseball club to host a Home Run Derby where players bat from the outfield and try to hit the ball into the stands behind where home plate normally resides. The hitting challenge will feature some of the best young prospects in baseball from both the Carolina League and California League competing in two events. First there will be a Hitting Contest featuring targets that players will have to hit in order to earn points. Then there will be a Home Run Derby. Fans will have the opportunity to catch any dingers off of these sluggers’ bats as the Blue Rocks will flip the field at Frawley Stadium. A new batting cage will be installed in center field and derby contestants will be awarded homeruns by hitting balls into the seating area.

Now a potential souvenir is not the only thing fans will be able to take home from the ballpark that night, they will also have the knowledge that half of their price of admission went directly toward the more than 25,000 children in all areas of the state who benefit from the work done by the Boys & Girls Club.

Boys & Girls Clubs are much more than just gyms. Each of the 18 Delaware sites offer a unique mix of quality programming focusing on educational enhancement, character and citizenship, physical education, health, and arts, for as little as $15 per child per year. Moreover, all Boys & Girls Club sites are certified as child care centers and licensed by the State of Delaware. In fact, more Delaware families trust their children to the care of the Boys & Girls Club than any other licensed provider in the state.

Kemple said that up to $28,000 can be raised and that none of it would be possible without the support of Bank of America.

“We’re excited to be working with the Blue Rocks on an event that will ultimately help support an organization that connects our youth to opportunities they may not otherwise have,” said Chip Rossi, Delaware president, Bank of America. “The bank has been a long-time supporter of the Boys & Girls Club. By combining the excitement of the hitting challenge with the ability to support families in Delaware – it will be opportunity for everyone to enjoy.”

Tickets for the 2014 Hitting Challenge are just $8 while All-Star Game tickets (June 17) are only $15. Individual tickets for both events go on sale March 1. For more information call 302-888-BLUE or visit bluerocks.com.

Blue Rocks Baseball = AffordaFUNability!
www.bluerocks.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award December Grant to Parkwood Farms Therapy Center

“Season of Giving” themed grant will help fund therapeutic horseback riding program for disabled youth

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of December to Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. of Snellville, GA. The “Season of Giving” themed grant is designed to assist organizations that benefit youth, education or sports programming.

Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. is a multi-discipline therapy center that offers non-traditional therapies for children with a variety of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and intellectual disability. One of the key non-traditional therapies is therapeutic and recreational horseback riding lessons provided through the Parkwood Farms Equestrian Program. The Parkwood Farms grounds include nine acres of riding space, a handicap accessible arena, a large outdoor arena and a wooded sensory trail.

Parkwood Farms is also the training facility for the Gwinnett County Special Olympics Equestrian Team. The center hosts year-round equestrian and athletic training giving the riders opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of friendship with other Special Olympians.

The grant awarded to Parkwood Farms will be applied to the purchase of new equipment for the Equestrian Program, including new helmets, saddle blankets, saddles and other riding gear. This new equipment will help keep therapy riders safe and comfortable for years to come.

“The grant from the Gwinnett Braves has allowed us to purchase new equipment for the horses and to expand the riders’ lending closet,” said Dr. Marilyn Peterson, Director of Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. “The riding outfits offer our athletes a way to take pride in their appearance and make a respectable presentation of their athletic abilities. The farm maintains the lending closet so the riders can borrow what they need and no one is excluded because they can’t afford the uniform.”

About Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc.:  Based in Snellville, GA and opened in May 2002, the Parkwood Farms Therapy Center is dedicated to enriching the lives of physically, emotionally and mentally challenged children and adults by offering a spectrum of therapeutic services in one safe and loving environment. To find out how you can donate your time or money to Parkwood Farms, call 678-344-6821 or visit www.parkwoodfarms.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Manager Shay Marlowe at 678-277-0346 or email shay.marlowe@braves.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Gwinnett Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters Banquet raises over $5,000 for Special Olympics

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet
Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 8th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $5,000 for charity.

On a cold winter night in Williamsport, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, third baseman Cody Asche, Phillies TV Field Reporter Gregg Murphy & Phillies front office personnel entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

In talking about the 2014 Phillies, Sandberg stated, “”I think we have that talent. We do have some young players that have a chance to chip in. Ben Revere was going good last year when he got hurt. The young arms in the bullpen got a shot to get some work last year and did a good job for the final six weeks of the season. I think that’ll go a long way for us.” When asked what is goal was, he said, “I want to get to a World Series, and I want to get there more than once.”

The night, presented by Lycoming Mall, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat and glove signed by Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, a special breakfast with the Phillie Phanatic, jerseys signed by Sandberg and Asche and much more.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of R.D. Slingerland into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Slingerland has worked on the Bowman Field playing surface for more than 25 years including installing an entirely new playing surface and irrigation system in 1997.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to Lycoming County Special Olympics whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. At the conclusion of the festivities, Special Olympics was presented with a check for $5,150.

The Crosscutters open the 2014 season on June 13 at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Williamsport Crosscutters. Click here to view the original story.

PIRATES PLEDGE $1.2 MILLION DONATION TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY

Multi-year donation will bolster Boys & Girls Clubs programs throughout Manatee County

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a $1.2 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The gift will be distributed over 12 years and will be used to help fulfill the critical mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which serves more than 6,000 children at seven locations county-wide.

“Today marks a new chapter for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s long-standing partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the City of Bradenton. Our slogan ‘Great Futures Start Here’ is being represented today,” said Marc Dosogne, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an organization that shares our commitment to the young people in our communities,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “We are excited to extend our partnership by making this multi-year pledge to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ ability to enhance its services and continue to provide a safe and positive environment for youths and families throughout Manatee County.”

The Pirates’ donation comes at a critical time as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has decided to serve children in club facilities closer to where the children live and go to school. This reorganization reduces transportation time and costs and is more convenient for families, Dosogne said.

“Thanks to the Pirates commitment, we will be able to continue offering hope and opportunity with a guide to the door to a great future at our Desoto Club and our school-based clubs, such as our new Orange Ridge Elementary Club, serving members who had been attending the Bradenton Club,” he said. “This will give us the ability to serve more children in the community today, tomorrow and for years to come.”

“This major gift from the Pittsburgh Pirates is very special and will be very helpful in continuing our success in helping young people at our clubs succeed, especially those who need us the most,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee Board Chairman Michael Moschella.

The Pirates and the Boys & Girls Clubs were neighbors for decades, until the reorganization led to the closing of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ facility on Ninth Street West. Located on city-owned property that borders the north side of McKechnie Field, the facility closed in September 2013 after programs were moved to the DeSoto Club and Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School.

The aged building is making way for the expansion of McKechnie Field and to advance redevelopment of the area as an arts and entertainment district. A parking area that was removed to expand the practice field behind the main field will be replaced at the former club site, allowing patrons quicker access to stadium entrances.

“Relocating the parking area north of McKechnie is part of the City of Bradenton’s strategy to develop an arts and entertainment district in the city,” said Mayor Wayne Poston. “This development will enhance the fan experience for Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders seasons and will be an asset as we bring events in addition to baseball to McKechnie Field.”

McKechnie Field has been the site of Pirates Spring Training since 1969. The Pirates are preparing for the 46th year of Spring Training baseball in Bradenton.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, please call 941-761-2582, visit www.bgcmanatee.org, or email info@bgcmanatee.org.

For more information about Pirates Spring Training, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bradenton Marauders. Click here to view the original story.

Reckless Kelly & Ryan-Sanders Announce Double-Play Charity Effort

6th annual Celebrity Softball Jam & Inaugural Pitchin’ Party announced

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ROUND ROCK, TX – Award-winning roots-rock band Reckless Kelly, in conjunction with Ryan-Sanders Entertainment, announced a pair of events today that will benefit youth baseball and softball for years to come.

The duo’s signature event, Reckless Kelly’s Celebrity Softball Jam, will be held on Sunday, May 11 at Dell Diamond. Tickets for the 6th annual event go on sale this Friday, December 20 at 10AM.

RK and RSE also announced the inaugural Reckless Kelly’s Pitchin’ Party, to be held at The Belmont Austin on Tuesday, January 28th. Building off of the response received over the years through the annual Celebrity Softball Jam, RK is throwing a first-ever downtown Austin charity event in support the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation. Reckless Kelly’s Pitchin’ Party will have celebrity guests, an acoustic show by Reckless Kelly and Friends, once-in-a-lifetime auction items, and other special surprises. Go to www.RecklessKelly.com/PitchinParty for more details and to purchase tickets.

Why the need for two events this year?

“This year we decided we really wanted to raise the bar,” said Cody Braun of Reckless Kelly. “The Mabson Field project could be a game changer for kids locally along with similar programs and leagues around the country.”

Proceeds from both events will go towards installation of an artificial turf playing surface at East Austin’s Mabson Field, a youth baseball/softball field located in the heart of one of the most under-resourced neighborhoods in Austin. The field serves boys & girls ages 4 -12 in RBI Austin and the Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA). Through a partnership with AstroTurf and generous contributions from MLB’s Baseball Tomorrow Fund, the Nolan Ryan Foundation, the Round Rock Express, Ryan-Sanders Sports Turf Services and the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation, the $270,000 project will be completed by spring 2014.

“This is a huge project, not just in terms of its physical and financial nature, but what it can do for the community,” said Reese Ryan, CEO of Ryan-Sanders Baseball. “We’ve got a great group of partners on this and it’s going to be something everyone can really be proud of.”

 

RECKLESS KELLY CELEBRITY SOFTBALL JAM

The Celebrity Softball Jam combines nine innings of fun-filled, athleticism-optional softball with a talent-packed postgame concert on two stages in centerfield.

Tickets can be purchased online at RKCSJ.org, by phone at 512.255.BALL (2255) or in person at Dell Diamond box office. Early bird tickets are offered at a discounted price of just $10 until December 31. Starting January 1 tickets will available for $20. Gates open at noon on May 11 with the softball game starting at 1 p.m. The postgame concert is slated to start at 3 p.m. with two stages.

The long list of musicians and athletes that have participated in the past include Kevin Fowler, Randy Rogers, Los Lonely Boys, Mickey & the Motorcars, Hayes Carll, Muzzie Braun, Dale Watson, Charlie Robinson, Wade Bowen, Bruce Robinson & Kelly Willis, Cody Canada & the Departed, Kyle Park, The Trishas, Midnight River Choir, Pauline Reese, Kyle Petty, Norm Charlton, Bret Boone, Kevin Millar, Eric Winston, Brooks Kieschnick, Jesse James Leija, Curtis Thigpen, Ahmad Brooks, Kirk Dressendorfer and Greg Swindell. The 2014 line-up will be announced this spring.

Led by brothers Willy and Cody Braun, the band wanted to create a signature event with friends from the worlds of music and sports combining America’s pastime and music to benefit Austin’s youth. In five years, the Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam has raised over $150,000.

The Celebrity Softball Jam is a natural extension of band members’ love of the game (and singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in more than a dozen Major League ballparks). It was conceived by a perfect match: Reckless Kelly, whose members are keenly enthusiastic about baseball and the Round Rock Express, which had long had an interest in bringing music to Dell Diamond.

The Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam, created and produced by Reckless Kelly in conjunction with Ryan-Sanders Entertainment, is a registered 501C-3 through the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation. Ryan-Sanders Entertainment is a division of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, owner/operator of the Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers Triple-A affiliate) and Ryan-Sanders Sports Services. They also operate Dell Diamond.

For more information on the 6th Annual Celebrity Softball Jam, visit www.RKCSJ.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

P-Nats Front Office Raises 2K to Support “Movember”

Team Nationals Mo Bros’ Network Ushered in $2,000 Towards Global Charity, Movember

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Woodbridge, VA-In support of Movember, a global charity which raises funds and awareness to assist in proliferating men’s health, male members of the Potomac Nationals front office along with their female counterparts, dubbed Mo Sistas, are proud to announce its Team Nationals Mo Bros yielded a $2,000 donation to support the Movember movement.

Throughout Movember, the P-Nats front office encouraged Nationals fans, family, friends, colleagues, and business partners to join this worldwide initiative in an effort to place the spotlight on men’s health issues including prostate and testicular cancer as well as mental health challenges.

By wearing a mustache for an entire month, Team Nationals Mo Bros members were able to spark a conversation about the Movember charity, and in turn its purpose and impact, while soliciting funds to support this great cause.

Those who donated then grew their own “Mo” and spread the network’s Movember message.

From one mustache to another, funds were sprouted that will be used to facilitate Movember’s effort to catalyze the awareness and education of men’s health issues across the world.

“In Minor League Baseball, I’ve been a part of many fundraising efforts, and in this case, Movember was certainly a terrific way for our staff to raise funds for a great cause, and through their excellent effort, we were able to hit our donation goal,” said Potomac Nationals Vice President/General Manager, Josh Olerud.

“We had a blast participating, and it was a great way to boost off-season cohesion among our front office members. We look forward to building off our first Movember, and creatively we will get even more fans involved next year.”

To generate the Movember buzz among members of the P-Nats fan base, the Nationals rewarded their faithful for donating to the charity with prize packages that included 2014 Opening Day tickets, Pfitzner Stadium food vouchers, P-Nats hats, first pitch opportunities, and player autographs.

As Movember organizers tally the final global contribution to the movement from over 200,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas which is expected to be in excess of $20 million, the Potomac Nationals are counting down to the start of Movember 2014 which is only ten and a half months away.

ABOUT MOVEMBER

An official global charity, Movember’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of millions of moustaches on men’s faces around the world. Through the power of the Mo, vital funds and awareness are raised to combat prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges.

The Movember Effect
Globally, the funds raised by our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas support world-class men’s health programs that combat prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges. These programs, directed by the Movember Foundation, are focused on awareness and education, living with and beyond cancer, staying mentally healthy, living with and beyond mental illness and research to achieve our vision of an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.

Movember- A Global Movement
Since its humble beginnings in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 3 Million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate across 21 countries worldwide. Movember is also aware of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas supporting the campaign and men’s health causes in other parts of the world, from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro, and everywhere in between.

In 2012, over 1.1 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world joined the movement, raising USD $147.0 million. In the US, over 209,000 Mo’s raised $21.0 million.

Find out more about the Movember Movement at www.Movember.com. 

The Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League play at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, and are the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals. P-Nats 2014 season tickets and mini plans are now on sale. Sponsorship opportunities for the 2014 season and beyond are available. Plan your corporate outing now for the 2014 season to see the future stars of the Washington Nationals at The Pfitz as the P-Nats offer discounted group rates and all-inclusive picnic options. Visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the Potomac Nationals Ticket Office at 703-590-2311 for more information!

 — Potomac Nationals —

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Potomac Nationals. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award November Grant to Nothing but the Truth

“Thanksgiving” themed grant will help fund Weekend Food Bag Ministry program

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of November to the Nothing but the Truth organization, announced on Monday, December 9. The “Thanksgiving” themed grant is aimed at assisting organizations that work to end hunger and/or homelessness.

Based in Dacula, GA, Nothing but the Truth serves food insecure children across Gwinnett County and beyond through its Weekend FooNothing-but-the-truth-logod Bag Ministry. The program assists students in Title I schools that have been identified by their counselors as being in a crisis situation and in need of additional food over the weekend and during extended school breaks.

Each Friday, volunteers with Nothing but the Truth supply school counselors with bags filled with kid-friendly items that are sent home with the students in their book bags. Since starting the program in December 2010, Nothing but the Truth has served 18 Gwinnett County schools, one Barrow County school and three Clayton County schools, sending home approximately 360 food bags each week.

The grant awarded to Nothing but the Truth will go directly toward the purchase of food for the Weekend Food Bag Ministry program. In addition to the funds provided, the Gwinnett Braves have extended the partnership further by supplying volunteers to pack food bags once a month.

“It is an honor to work with local Title I schools to help students who are food insecure,” said Scarlett Rigsby, Executive Director of Nothing but the Truth. “No one wants to think of students going home on Friday from school and having little or nothing to eat over the weekend. Unfortunately this is a reality among way too many of our students. This grant from the Gwinnett Braves helps us serve 18 schools and provide food for 360 students per week through our Weekend Food Program.”

About Nothing but the Truth:  Nothing but the Truth is a faith-based organization in Gwinnett County that serves the community through three major areas of ministry: the Weekend Food Bag Ministry, the Multi-Housing Ministry and Community Outreach Events. For more information on how you can donate money or volunteer your time, contact Scarlett Rigsby at 770-845-3029 or scarlett@nothingbutthetruth146.org.

This story originally appeared on the Gwinnett Braves website.  Click here to view the original story.

SeaWolves Announce Week of Giving

The SeaWolves are pleased to announce the team’s first annual “Week of Giving” to support area non-profit organizations during the holiday season.

Each weekday from December 9-13, a local non-profit organization will receive 20 percent of merchandise purchases made at the SeaWolves Team Store at Jerry Uht Park and online at SeaWolves.com.

SCHEDULE:

Monday, December 9 – Second Harvest Food Bank – Promo Code: Harvest

Tuesday, December 10 – Twilight Wish Foundation – Promo Code: Twilight

Wednesday, December 11 – Barber National Institute – Promo Code: Barber

Thursday, December 12 – The Epilepsy Project – Promo Code: Epilepsy

Friday, December 13 – Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania – Promo Code: Autism

The SeaWolves will encourage the community to support these causes by rewarding the top daily merchandise spender with a special prize. The individual with the top merchandise dollar total each day during the “Week of Giving” will receive a SeaWolves VIP Experience, which includes four infield box seat tickets, a ceremonial first pitch and the opportunity to meet a SeaWolves player before a 2014 game at Jerry Uht Park.

“The SeaWolves’ Week of Giving is an opportunity to support five outstanding community organizations and spread some holiday cheer,” SeaWolves president Greg Coleman said. “We’d like to thank all of our community partners and SeaWolves fans for their support throughout the year.”

 

Second Harvest Food Bank:

The mission of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is to distribute food to hungry people and eliminate the waste of food.

In 1982, the first year of operation, Second Harvest distributed 444,916 pounds of food to 40 agencies. During fiscal year 2012-13, Second Harvest distributed 11.4 million pounds of food to 285 member agencies and 135 distribution sites for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.

Twilight Wish:

The mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving seniors through wish granting celebrations that connect generations.

Twilight Wish honors and acknowledges seniors for all they have given to others by bringing comfort and joy into their lives through individual wish granting celebrations. Twilight Wish grants wishes to deserving elderly, age 68 and older, who earn less than 200% of poverty level annually, or who live in a nursing facility. By treating the elderly with compassion, we restore their dignity and bring them hope.

Barber National Institute:

We are “Making dreams come true.” We provide children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families the education, support and resources needed to be self reliant, independent and valued members of their community. In addition, we provide the professionals who serve them with world-class education and training.

The Epilepsy Project:

Our mission is to bring Epilepsy Awareness to the world through our events, fundraising, and confidence!

Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Epilepsy Project focuses its efforts in mid-size communities where people may not have easy access to information, medical facilities, or events. It’s essential to feel supported when living with a disease that is, at times, unpredictable, so our goal is to make it FUN while spreading the important message of seizure safety, frequency, and fundraising for a cure!

Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania:

The Autism Society – Northwestern Pennsylvania (ASA-NWPA) is a local chapter affiliated with the Autism Society of America (ASA), the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, which exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. ASA does this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a local chapter we make this information available to our membership and the community at large through support groups, our website, education, workshops, and seminars.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Erie SeaWolves. Click here to view the original story.

Baseball Dinner Breaks $1 Million Mark

Surpassed $1 million in total money raised during 2013 dinner

MANCHESTER, N.H. – With a retrospective video and a burst of confetti, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced tonight that the 2013 edition of the Granite State Baseball Dinner has pushed the event’s fundraising total beyond a milestone marker. Tonight’s proceeds, which are still being finalized, have driven the money raised by the dinner since 2007 beyond $1 million to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Museum, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“Since our team became involved in reviving the dinner in 2007, this event has meant so much to our organization,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation Board. “We are so pleased to reach this milestone, and we take pride in being able to continue the rich tradition of this dinner. We want to thank all of the celebrated guests, sponsors, and fans over the years that have joined us in making a positive impact on three incredible organizations.”

The Fisher Cats first involvement in the Granite State Baseball Dinner, now presented by Northeast Delta Dental, came in January of 2007. In 2008, the team followed up its January event with a second dinner in November, permanently shifting the state’s largest fundraising dinner to its current place on the calendar on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Since the revival in 2007, the total funds raised by the dinner sat at $979,794.46 entering tonight. During that time, CHaD has received nearly $430,000 to support the programs at one of the world’s leading research hospitals. The Fisher Cats Foundation has received a similar amount, and it has used that money, in part, to fund scholarships to 80 college-bound seniors in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. The Ted Williams Museum has been gifted with $125,000 to continue its mission to provide youth baseball programs and scholarships while adding to the heritage of the national pastime.

The 2013 dinner was highlighted by World Champion Boston Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes and New Hampshire legend Chris Carpenter, who announced the end of his illustrious career just a few days ago. Additional past celebrities have included baseball Hall-of-Famers Wade Boggs and Jim Rice, ‘Mr. Red Sox’ Johnny Pesky, renowned sluggers Cecil Fielder and Fred McGriff, and legends of the Boston sports scene including the Bruins’ Terry O’Reilly, the Celtics’ Cedric Maxwell, and the Patriots’ Steve Nelson. More than 7,200 fans have enjoyed the company of these celebrities – and many more – since 2007.

The 2014 Granite State Baseball Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 22.

Opening Day at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is Thursday, April 10, 2014, against the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets). Fisher Cats Full and Half-Season Tickets packages and Mini-Ticket Plans are on sale now. Each package comes with an array of benefits and free gifts, ranging from free birthday parties and all-you-can-eat barbecues to free ski passes and gift cards to local restaurants. To view all the ticket packages for the 2014 season, visit www.nhfishercats.com or call (603) 641-2005.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Swings for Sparks Raises $3,690

100% of Proceeds to SMS Compassion Fund

For Immediate Release
Nov. 11, 2013

RENO, Nev.–The Reno Aces raised $3,690 to benefit the SMS Compassion Fund during the Swings for Sparks event on Saturday, the club announced today.

 “We were overwhelmed with the response to Swings for Sparks, and our entire staff stayed nearly three hours beyond the closing time to make sure everyone had a chance to participate,” said Aces Chief Operating Officer Eric Edelstein. “We are all proud to be a part of the healing process for those affected by this tragedy.”

 Throughout the day, 156 fans took swings on the field at Aces Ballpark. Each pitch had a suggested minimum donation of $1, with many fans taking advantage of the 25 pitches for $20 bulk deal.

 All donations and proceeds from the event will go directly to the SMS Compassion Fund, set up by the Community Foundation of Western Nevada.

 For up-to-date news and notes throughout the season, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook. Ticket packages for the 2014 season are on-sale now at RenoAces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reno Aces. Click here to view the original story.

Team Honors South Dorchester School

Shorebirds award school $1,000

Delmarva-Shorebirds-2010The Shorebirds Community Fund and Sherman paid a visit to South Dorchester School in Church Creek Maryland to award them a check for $1,000. South Dorchester School was one of over a 100 schools that participated in the 2013 Hit the Books reading program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place and came in first place in the ticket redemption contest.

Shorebirds-Community-Fund-lCongratulations to all the students, their parents and faculty members of South Dorchester School for a job well done.

Gwinnett Braves Award July Grant to Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum

“Red, White and Blue” themed grant will be used to maintain and improve exhibits and artifacts

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of July to the Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum, announced on Monday, October 28. The “Red, White and Blue” themed grant is aimed at assisting organizations that support the military or military families.

Founded in 1988, the Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum exhibits the memorabilia of the men and women who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The museum remains a lasting memorial that is a first-class area attraction of historical and educational significance for the city of Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County and surrounding counties.

The museum features uniforms, pictures, medals, artillery projectiles, firearms, newspaper clippings and other artifacts from the Revolutionary War, War Between the States, World War I, World War II and other conflicts in United States history. There is also a section dedicated to honor the service of women in the military, with uniforms of the various branches of the Armed Forces in which they served.

The grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help the museum maintain existing exhibits and artifacts. Funds will also be applied to purchasing new display cases and picture frames, as well as acquiring new artifacts.

“The generous grant from the Gwinnett Braves will allow the museum to expand the displays through the addition of at least two more large display cases in two of our rooms, thus enhancing the exhibits and making it more appealing to our visitors” said Chief Master Sgt. Paul J. Pickard, the Director and Treasurer of the Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum.

About the Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum:  Located at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville, GA, the Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum is run by the Museum Committee, a group of 13 veteran volunteers who meet every Wednesday. To find out how you can volunteer your time and money to the museum, visit www.americanlegionpost232.org and click the Gwinnett Veterans Museum link, or call 770-921-1326.

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website and can be viewed by clicking here.

Ballpark sod donated to Habitat

Lexington-Legends-2013New sod will soon be installed on the field at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, and the old sod will find a new home – in fact, it likely will find several new homes. Part of the sod that is being taken up at the ballpark has been donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it will be available for purchase at Habitat’s ReStore, 451 Southland Drive.   The ReStore is a home improvement resale store that sells donated new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building supplies and appliances.   Proceeds from sales at the Re-Store benefit Lexington Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes for Lexington families.

Habitat-for-Humanity-logo“We were excited to get the call asking if we could accept some of this sod,” said Jim Kreiner, director of the ReStore, a home improvement resale store that sells donated new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building supplies and appliances.   He said since current Habitat homes were not quite ready for sod to be laid, the donated sod would be made available for sale at the Re-Store.

“The Legends have had a long-standing partnership with Lexington Habitat for Humanity,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea.   “Habitat came to mind immediately when we began this project.”

Installation of new sod at Whitaker Bank Ballpark is scheduled to begin later this month.

This article originally appeared on the Legends’ website.

Lexington- Sod_removal_photo_saved_101413

Community Love: 2013 Thus Far

Scranton-W-B-RailRiders-logoIt’s more than numbers. It’s more than hours or dollars. It’s human. It’s real. It’s one of life’s most paradoxical, yet overwhelming true truths. An intangible concept, an experience really, that resounds with a firmness greater than Montage Mountain herself. It is better to give than to receive. Year one of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) and the new PNC Field afforded the new-look franchise and the good folks of NEPA to get to know each other once more through more than just baseball. And the giving? Well, it sure felt good.

Below is a quick checklist of the highlight totals in 2013:

  • Front office staff hours volunteered: 890.5
  • Player hours volunteered: 202.5
  • Mascot appearances: 130
  • Donations: $24,044 (tickets/merchandise/autographed memorabilia)
  • Hurl the Pearl donation (Boys & Girls Club): $12,092
  • Allied Health Services donation: $16,000

Total donation including monetary value of volunteered hours from team/staff, all monetary donations and in-kind donations: $217,737

“The sum totals sound good, but what sticks with me are the individual moments,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “I got more goosebumps from seeing the impact of the efforts spearheaded by our staff and community relations manager Rachel Mark than I’ve had at any other point in my life. It was a very good year.”

The Community Organization of the Night program made its debut this season. Each of the team’s 72 home games spotlighted a local non-profit/civic organization. That CON had the opportunity to spread its message to every guest through a pre-game on-field interview, a ceremonial first pitch, an on-air radio interview and a concourse table display.

The RailRiders’ Military Appreciation Program was implemented this season to show the team’s support of our nation’s active and retired military. The service person and his/her family were honored. Activities included complimentary game tickets, a pre-game on-field interview and a ceremonial first pitch.

SWB’s patriotic pride continued with another new tip of the cap, Setting A Seat Aside. To honor men and women affiliated with our nation’s military whom could not be at PNC Field, one significant seat (section 13, row 15, seat one) will forever remain empty and unsold.

A standard from previous years got a big boost as the Adopt-A-Field Program upped the number of local fields renovated to four. Front office staff and grounds crew members combined to give the area little league/softball fields a big league facelift. Staffers spent the entire day at each park cutting the infield, rebuilding pitching mounds, fertilizing/mowing grass, cleaning dugouts and more. The fields were chosen through a contest on the team’s Facebook page with representatives of local leagues posting pictures of their field and describing its renovation needs. The four photos that received the most “likes” on Facebook were the lucky winners (Avoca/Dupont Little League; South Scranton Little League; Staback Park; Marvine Dutch Gap).

As the top affiliate of the New York Yankees, the RailRiders proudly played their part in the organization’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week effort. The week-long community outreach program’s purpose is to touch as many liveChildrens-Miracle-Network-logo125s as possible in your area. Members of the RailRiders’ coaching staff, players and front office folks made their way throughout NEPA.

The week included a Children’s Miracle Network Day at the Ballpark on July 7. Twin boys who have overcome the worst of health adversities spent time on the field with players during batting practice, Little-League-Challenger-lostopped by the pre-game clubhouse, threw out ceremonial first pitches and spent the game in the owner’s suite with friends and family. One day later, the RailRiders hosted a baseball game for the Lackawanna County Challenger Little League. LCCLL gives children with special needs the chance to participate in athletics. RailRiders coaches and players spent the entire game on the field, coaching and encouraging the boys and girls while helping them to bat, run and slide. A ballpark lunch followed. July 9 meant two surprise hospital visits to Moses Taylor and Geisinger in downtown Scranton. Patients interacted with the players while receiving giveaways, autographs and an overall fun time. The week concluded with players and front office staffers visiting thB&G-of-NEPA-logoe Boys & Girls Club of NEPA. The morning was spent playing baseball, billiards and computer games. The epic conclusion sported a dodgeball match between the RailRiders and the Boys & Girls club.

Voluntary-Action-Center-logoOn Aug. 21, a tag-team food drive by the RailRiders and the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA sought out to stock as many food pantries in NEPA as possible. Fans received free game tickets in exchange for non-perishable food items. In addition to the food from fans, the RailRiders also presented the Voluntary Action Center with a check for $1,300 to assist with the fight against hunger in NEPA.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

 

Gwinnett Braves Award September Grant to For My Sisters, Inc.

“All About Children” themed grant will help fund the organization’s Back to School program

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of September to For My Sisters, Inc. The “All About Children” themed grant is aimed at assisting organizations that benefit children.

For My Sisters, Inc. helps single-mom families acquire back to school needs, including school supplies and backpacks, shoes, clothing, and personal care items such as toothpaste and deodorant. According to the organization, 40 percent of single mom families are below the poverty level. For My Sisters, Inc. endeavors to help provide in many areas of child rearing so the children of these families may become healthy, productive adults.

For-My-Sisters-logoThe grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help the organization in purchasing tennis shoes and clothing required for Georgia schools’ Physical Education programs. This will ease the financial strain on numerous single-mom families, especially those with more than one child.

“Because of this wonderful, generous grant from the Gwinnett Braves, For My Sisters will be able to provide new shoes and other necessities for a successful school year for many children,” said Kari Price, Executive Director of For My Sisters, Inc.

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website and can be viewed by clicking here.